ARLINGTON, Tex. — These moments are considered birthrights for the Alabama Crimson Tide, whose fans are famous for putting houndstooth hats in their children’s cribs as a tribute to the legendary Bear Bryant and for having incredibly lofty expectations.
So after being upset by Ohio State in the semifinals of last season’s inaugural College Football Playoff, Alabama vowed to return. Only championships will do in Tuscaloosa, and the No. 2 Crimson Tide viewed their Cotton Bowl matchup with No. 3 Michigan State on Thursday night as a step toward taking care of unfinished business.